Pharmacy Q & A

A day in the life of pharmacist: Inge Lynne Daniels, Medirite Eastern Cape

Get to know your friendly Medirite pharmacist!

Q: Tell us a little about your journey from student to pharmacist?

I studied at NMU and was privileged to study with a Medirite Bursary. After graduation in 2012, I began my internship at Medirite Moffat-on-Main. I completed my community service at St Albans Prison and started my pharmacy career at Medirite Kwanobuhle in 2014 and am still serving this community today.

Q: What are some evergreen health tips you can share with us?

Always drink water and add a few minutes of exercise to your daily routine. Even a simple walk around the block will do the trick.

Q: What’s the most fulfilling part of your day?

Helping my patients get better faster by giving them the right medication and the right advice at the right price.

Q: Let’s talk about men’s health, what should all men know about their health?

Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, stress reduction, and moderate alcohol consumption. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among South African men. Men aged 45 and older, or earlier if there is a family history of cancer, should have an annual PSA blood test and digital rectal exam to screen for health issues. If you are over 35 and have risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, it’s recommended to check your glucose levels. A simple finger-prick test can be done at your local pharmacy. A comprehensive physical examination is recommended where the doctor will check cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI (body mass index) as well as overall organ function. These tests will help identify whether there are risks of heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

Q: What’s your best Medirite product for staying healthy?

Medirite Allermine is my go-to product for patients with allergies and it’s a great product to keep in your bag. Also, Medirite Multivitamin A-Z to keep you healthy.

Q: What’s the most common query from patients at the pharmacy?

We see many patients who ask for “pilisi amathambo” (tablets for bones).

Q: Have any patient experiences left a lasting impact on you?

I think the most rewarding part of my job is having an old Makhulu or Tamkhulu come back to the pharmacy to thank me because they feel so much better after our encounter. It makes all the nights coming home tired after a super busy day worth it.

Q: Can you share a medicine safety tip?

Always assume the patient knows nothing, in that way, you will give all the necessary information. This will always ensure the safe and efficacious use of medicines by the patient.